Trax Travel, Makingtrax New Zealand

Come travel with the Inclusive Adventure Travel Specialists

Join us on the trip of a lifetime exploring the wild, rugged & magnificent adventure capital of the world, Te Wai Pounamu, South Island, New Zealand. Choose your adventure activities from our #TraxApproved adventure outfitters.

(New Zealand’s finest adventure companies willing to tailor their experience to your abilities)

This trip is accessible to all abilities. Our trips are private trips tailored to you and your travelling companions.  

Minimum 2 persons

See trip video https://vimeo.com/264691027

Trip Introduction

Welcome to your adaptive adventure that we've been fine tuning since 2010, simply the best of the best!! We are specialists in wheelchair adaptive travel. You will be blown away with what is possible! These fully guided trips take you on a majestic journey through the spectacular South Island of New Zealand.

Makingtrax works with New Zealand's leading adventure companies, training educating & adapting equipment. We are now excited to tailor an experience especially to you.

The key to any great trip is having a great guide. Your guide/driver will entertain, enlighten and transport you, in the comfort of our accessible vehicle. They will deliver and/or join you on your adventure, making sure your trip is smooth as silk.

When you're not camping on the river, your accommodation will be in one of the sweet spots, staying well away from bland motel units. Makingtrax knows where all the little gems are: accessible, comfortable and beautiful. Most accommodation has full cooking facilities, but feel free to eat out where available.

Let us take away all your travelling stress with your personal adaptive travel consultant to manage all your travelling needs prior to departure. Your consultant, a wheelie himself, has over 20 years in the adventure travel industry understanding everything that is needed and will liaise with you prior to your arrival.

Departure Dates

We run one trip per month, so dates are very flexible.

We work with your preferred dates. Winter or summer we have you covered

Summer trips November to May

Winter trips July to September

Trip Options

The following prices are in NZ$ A non-refundable deposit of NZ$500 per/person is required to book.

 12 days including top of the south NZ$4500 per/person (activities not included pricelist below)

Christchurch – Kaikoura – Abel Tasman – Murchison – Punakaiki – Franz Josef – Queenstown – Milford (flight option not included in price) – Tekapo – Christchurch

11 days including overnight wilderness rafting (included) NZ$4750 per/person (activities not included pricelist below)

Christchurch – Mauria (overnight wilderness rafting included in price) – Punakaiki – Franz Josef – Queenstown – Milford (flight option not included in price) – Tekapo – Christchurch

9 days including Trans Alpine Rail Journey (included) NZ$3750 per/person (activities not included pricelist below)

Christchurch – Tekapo – Queenstown – Milford  (flight option not included in price) – Franz Josef – Punakaiki – Christchurch

Extra day can be added at either end of the tour for NZ$250 per/day

What is included?

• Adaptive travel consultant to liaise & organise all travel plans prior & during tour
• Guiding services: your passionate, knowledgeable & local legendary guide/driver
• All transport: comfortable accessible van with driver, airport transfers
• All Accommodation: Unique kiwi style (not bland motel units), accessible, kitchen facilities mostly.
• All adaptions for activities making them possible for all abilities

 

Not included

• Flights: to and from Christchurch, NZ
• Meals: we don't cover your food, yet your guide can help prepare meals and will deliver you to and retrieve you from restaurants, cafés & supermarkets (Overnight wilderness raft trip meals included)
• Extra activity options- see activity list for prices and company details.

 

Departure Dates

We run one trip per month, so dates are very flexible.

We work with your preferred dates. Winter or summer we have you covered

Summer trips November to May

Winter trips July to September

 

Activity Options and Costs

Below is a list of activities available on your adventure. Makingtrax works with the following operators. As adaptive adventure experts adaptions and procedures are set in place to make it possible.

These activities are priced below are per/person & in NZ$. Many are weather dependent; your travel consultant may swap & change bookings to make these trips work. These prices are subject to change. Listed activities are available to all abilities, weight limits apply, conditions apply for those with *

Top of the south only

Kaikoura

Whale watch Kaikoura                   $150per/person                               www.whalewatch.co.nz

Sea kayak                                           $110per/person                               www.kaikourakayaks.nz

Nelson/Abel Tasman

SUP adaptive hire 1hr                    $25 per/person                                 www.moananzsup.co.nz

Sea kayak                                          $145 per/person                                www.rrkayaks.co.nz

Sea shuttle                                        $82 per/person                                 www.abeltasmanseashuttles.co.nz

Waka tradition canoe                     $90 per/person                                 www.wakaabeltasman.co.nz

Abel Tasman Eco tour                    $189 per/person                               www.abeltasmanecotours.co.nz

Cable bay horse trek/zipline         $85/$95 per/person                        www.cablebayadventurepark.co.nz

Murchison

Whitewater rafting                         $160 per/person                                www.rivers.co.nz

All tours

Franz Josef/West Coast

Franz heli to glacier                          $245 per/person              www.helicopter.co.nz/english/franz-josef/

Hot pools Franz                                 $28 per/person                                www.glacierhotpools.co.nz

Hokitika Treetop walkway               $32 per/person                                 www.treetopsnz.com

Skydive Franz 20,000ft                    $559 per/person                              www.skydivefranz.co.nz

*Kayak the rainforest                       1hr.$85/3hr.$120                              www.glacierkayaks.com

Wanaka

*Kayaking Wanaka (lake/river)    $179/$199 per/person                   www.paddlewanaka.co.nz

Paraglide Wanaka                            $229 per/person                              www.wanakaparagliding.com

Queenstown

Milford flight cruise flight             $565 per/person                              www.airmilford.co.nz

*Paragliding Qtown                        $205 per/person                              www.tandemparagliding.com

IFLY Indoor Skydive                      $149 per/person                              https://www.iflynz.co.nz

Gondola Qtown                               $40 per/person                                 www.skyline.co.nz

*Luge Qtown 5 rides                      $56 per/person                                 www.skyline.co.nz

Jet boat Qtown                                $150 per/person                              www.shotoverjet.com

Canyon swing Qtown                     $229 per/person                              www.canyonswing.co.nz

Cromwell

U-drive hand control race            $429 per/person                              www.highlands.co.nz

Tekapo/Omarama

*Horse Trek Tekapo                       $160 per/person                              www.maht.co.nz

Hot pools Tekapo                             $28 per/person                                 www.tekaposprings.co.nz

Mt Cook Glacier Flight                    $359 per/person                              www.infliteexperiences.co.nz

Dark Sky Stargazing                         $100 per/person                              www.darkskyproject.co.nz

Ashburton

Skydiving Canterbury 13,000ft    $360 per/person                              www.skydivingkiwis.co.nz

Itineraries

Trip 1 off 3

12 Day Including Top of the South

Day 1

The first thing you'll see once you've arrived in Christchurch is our smiley faces, ready to scoop you up and deliver you to your awesome accommodation. Settle in and enjoy Sumner, a seaside suburb of Christchurch. This place has beach, boardwalk, cafés, funky restaurants and bars. It's the perfect spot to shake off your jet lag and prepare yourself for the next days of action.

Day 2

We depart Christchurch towards the beautiful Kaikoura, where the mountains reach the sea. This incredible coastline has an abundance of sea life. This spectacular area is famous for whales, dolphins and seals. Enjoy kayaking in amongst the local wildlife, or venture out to discover the wonders of the deep, sperm whales. Tonight we stay at a kiwi host family in the backcountry gold area of Canvastown, named after the miner’s tents.

Day 3

This morning it’s off to Abel Tasman National Park; golden beaches and crystal clear water. This piece of paradise is a wilderness reserve, a perfect place to bath in the warm waters and paddle in the shadow of the famous Split Apple rock. Experience a waka, traditional Māori canoe or an evening sea kayak in the park. So much to absorb in this sun socked paradise.

Day 4

Welcome to Murchison the White-water rafting capital. The Buller Gorge is nestled in the Wild West coast beach forests. Experience the excitement of a half day rafting trip down the mighty Buller River. Available to all abilities, making this possible is our Aqua harness. This afternoon we drive down the Buller Gorge to the wild West Coast, our accommodation waits next to the setting sun.

Day 5

Enter into a relaxing morning waking to the sound of the sea. When we are ready the scenic road will take you to Hokitika greenstone and gold. Fingers crossed today is clear and calm as we drive the West Coast highway, with mountains on the left,  ocean on the right and native forest galore. Soon after lunch, we arrive at Franz Josef Township where our next adventure awaits. Here we meet the awesome crew that will fly us into glacier wonderland. This is the West Coast; helicopters are mandatory to access our piece of paradise. This scenic flight takes us onto the snowfields where Makingtrax ski-chair gets you up close and personal. This evening we stay in Franz Josef.

Day 6

A big day of driving today from the west to the high county over the gates of Haast to Wanaka. Although a big journey, the flora and fauna changes dramatically throughout, making this drive fly past. You'll be there before you know it. Welcome to Lake Wanaka.

Day 7

Enjoy the Lake Wanaka this morning, kayaking on the beautiful mountain lake or paragliding above. Today we head to Queenstown for more adventure, with its stunning mountainous backdrop. For the rest of the day, feel free to roam the streets of Queenstown, check the surrounding areas or relax by the lake. Your wish is our command. This evening we stay in the beautiful area of Queenstown.

Day 8

You’re free to roam the streets of Queenstown, hit up more inclusive adventure. Another night spent in the spectacular Queenstown.

Day 9

No trip to New Zealand is complete without visiting the infamous Milford Sounds.  Enjoy an early flight out of Queenstown, this morning, as you fly into Milford Sound an area of extraordinary beauty. It offers a majestic fiord, dramatic and awe inspiring scenery and prolific flora and fauna. Combining this is a magical Milford cruise on the fiord. Your pilot personally escorts you to the boat docks to board the ‘Pride’ to enjoy your Milford Sound Scenic Cruise. This purpose-built catamaran is operated by Southern Discoveries, which traverse the full length of the 12km fiord right out to the Tasman Sea. Spacious outdoor viewing decks allow you to take in all of the Fiordland scenic highlights, including waterfalls taller than Niagara Falls, and an array of indigenous flora and fauna. This is an optional experience, you can also enjoy a day of relax or adventure option. See cost in activity options.

Day 10

Our northern journey starts today as we change our compass bearing and head to Tekapo, This drive takes you through the high country, sunburnt land and remarkable mountain ranges. Aoraki, Kiwi Land's highest mountain awaits your visit as we journey north. The backbone of the Southern Alps and the turquoise lakes pass you by, with a stop at the Mt Cook salmon farm to select your dinner (if you're a fish fan). But the day is just beginning...the horses are waiting for you. No better place to enjoy a horse trek, Lake Tekapo. Our team will tailor this to your abilities; nothing's an issue with the magic horse team. A big day of adventure needs the perfect evening and the dark sky reserve star gazing or soaking in the hot pools is just that.

Day 11

It's our last day....so let's finish on a high. 13,000 feet high to be precise... Skydiving! Makingtrax has a leg harness that makes this available to all abilities, The harness keeps your legs together in free fall and lifts your legs after your canopy is deployed, sliding in on your tandem master’s butt, not yours. Whilst you are still buzzing, it's back to where we started, Sumner! You now can relax, absorb the last 11 days and get merry, as it’s your last night in the magical land.

Last day

Wake up invigorated knowing your guide is going to collect you to take you to the airport, when required, leaving you time to find your new favourite cafe and reflect on your journey of self-discovery, what you have achieved and memories you have gained for a lifetime. Today your new journey begins as an adventurer...unstoppable

Itineraries #2

Trip 2 of 3

11 Day Including Overnight Wilderness Trip

Day 1

The first thing you'll see once you've arrived in Christchurch is our smiley faces, ready to scoop you up and deliver you to your awesome accommodation. Settle in and enjoy Sumner, a seaside suburb of Christchurch. This place has beach, boardwalk, cafés, funky restaurants and bars. It's the perfect spot to shake off your jet lag and prepare yourself for the next days of action.

Day 2

It’s an early start this morning as we need to meet the river crew 3 hours away. This is over the Lewis Pass, where Mauria River waits for us, nestled in the native beech and surrounding mountains. This class 2/ 3 river transports us and our equipment into the wilderness. Freedom of river life, experience real wilderness. When navigating the Mauria River where its waters spill from the mountains of the Lewis Pass; you will wind through a heavily forested and remote valley, making this trip a real gem.  We spend the night camping beside the river, with a fire and great company.  Also for the keen angler, Rainbow and Brown Trout fishing is legendary here giving you great challenge and fun, whatever your skill level.  Available to all abilities, making this possible is our Aqua harness.  A fully releasable system to make you sit up on the raft (even without trunk control!). Leg  floats,  if  you  feel  like  floating  through  the  pools,  dry  suits  for  those  that  do  not  have  climate  control  (only  hands  and  head  are  exposed). Tonight you camp in the wilderness, cooking on a fire. Experiencing why we call us pure New Zealand.

Day 3

This morning, awaken to the sounds of native bird song and the flowing river. A great night’s sleep, on air and feathers (no pressure issues). After a hearty breakfast and when you're ready, (accessible toilet facilities are carried with) its back on the river, going with the flow. With the gear packed, it’s straight back into action as we tackle Maruia‘s white water once more.  The rafts bob and weave their way around boulders and through waves, into the isolated valley where crystal clear pools nestle between rapids, giving us time to drift, swim, relax and take in the scenery.  We can stop in many places along the river. We can even drift the craft in the middle to fish towards the sides, usually unheard of in the fishing community, on a river.  As we ride the final rapids, the valley starts to open again and the river converges with the road to take us to our waiting transport. This afternoon we drive down the Buller Gorge to the wild West Coast, our accommodation waits next to the setting sun.

Day 4

Enter into a relaxing morning waking to the sound of the sea. When we are ready the scenic road will take you to Hokitika greenstone and gold. Fingers crossed today is clear and calm as we drive the West Coast highway, with mountains on the left,  ocean on the right and native forest galore. Soon after lunch, we arrive at Franz Josef Township where our next adventure awaits. Here we meet the awesome crew that will fly us into glacier wonderland. This is the West Coast; helicopters are mandatory to access our piece of paradise. This scenic flight takes us onto the snowfields where Makingtrax ski-chair gets you up close and personal. This evening we stay in Franz Josef.

Day 5

A big day driving over the gates of Haast to Wanaka. Although a big journey, the flora and fauna changes dramatically throughout, making this drive fly past. You'll be there before you know it. Welcome to Lake Wanaka.

Day 6

Enjoy the Lake Wanaka this morning, kayaking on the beautiful mountain lake or paragliding above. Today we head to Queenstown for more adventure, with its stunning mountainous backdrop. For the rest of the day, feel free to roam the streets of Queenstown, check the surrounding areas or relax by the lake. Your wish is our command. This evening we stay in the beautiful area of Queenstown.

Day 7

You’re free to roam the streets of Queenstown, hit up more inclusive adventure. Another night spent in the spectacular Queenstown.

Day 8

No trip to New Zealand is complete without visiting the infamous Milford Sounds.  Enjoy an early flight out of Queenstown, this morning, as you fly into Milford Sound an area of extraordinary beauty. It offers a majestic fiord, dramatic and awe inspiring scenery and prolific flora and fauna. Combining this is a magical Milford cruise on the fiord. Your pilot personally escorts you to the boat docks to board the ‘Pride’ to enjoy your Milford Sound Scenic Cruise. Spacious outdoor viewing decks allow you to take in all of the Fiordland scenic highlights, including waterfalls taller than Niagara Falls, and an array of indigenous flora and fauna. This is an optional experience, you can also enjoy a day of relax or adventure option. See cost in activity options.

Day 9

Our northern journey starts today as we change our compass bearing and head to Tekapo. Aoraki, Kiwi Land's highest mountain awaits your visit as we journey north. The backbone of the Southern Alps and the turquoise lakes pass you by, with a stop at Mt Cook salmon farm to select your dinner (if you're a fish fan). But the day is just beginning...the horses are waiting for you. No better place to enjoy a horse trek, Lake Tekapo. Our team will tailor this to your abilities; nothing's an issue. A big day of adventure needs the perfect evening and the dark sky reserve star gazing or soaking in the hot pools is just that.

Day 10

It's our last day....so let's finish on a high. 13,000 feet high to be precise... Skydiving! Makingtrax has a leg harness that makes this available to all abilities, The harness keeps your legs together in free fall and lifts your legs after your canopy is deployed, sliding in on your tandem master’s butt, not yours. Whilst you are still buzzing, it's back to where we started, Sumner! You now can relax, absorb the last 10 days and get merry, as it’s your last night in the magical land.

Last day

Wake up invigorated knowing your guide is going to collect you to take you to the airport, when required, leaving you time to find your new favorite cafe and reflect on your journey of self-discovery, what you have achieved and memories you have gained for a lifetime. Today your new journey begins as an adventurer...unstoppable

Itineraries #3

Trip 3 of 3

9 Days including Trans Alpine Rail Journey

 

Day 1

The first thing you'll see once you've arrived in Christchurch is our smiley faces, ready to scoop you up and deliver you to your awesome accommodation. Settle in and enjoy Sumner, a seaside suburb of Christchurch. This place has beach, boardwalk, cafés, funky restaurants and bars. It's the perfect spot to shake off your jet lag and prepare yourself for the next days of action.

Day 2

This morning your guide will pick you up early, as we head to the mountains. Time to wake up as your first experience in the adventure capital of the world is starting on a high. 13,000 feet high to be precise... Skydiving! Makingtrax has a leg harness that makes this available to all abilities, The harness keeps your legs together in free fall and lifts your legs after your canopy is deployed, sliding in on your tandem master’s butt, not yours. Whilst you are still buzzing, it's time to head to the dark sky reserve the perfect evening star gazing or soaking in the hot pools is just that. For the less adventurous or to double up depending on time, the horses are waiting for you. No better place to enjoy a horse trek, Lake Tekapo. Our team will tailor this to your abilities; nothing's an issue with the magic horse team. This can be exchanged for tomorrow morning.

Day 3

Aoraki, Kiwi Land's highest mountain awaits your visit this morning as we journey south. The backbone of the Southern Alps and the turquoise lakes pass you by, with a stop at the Mt Cook salmon farm to select your dinner (if you're a fish fan). It's off to Queenstown the thrill seekers paradise

Day 4

No trip to New Zealand is complete without visiting the infamous Milford Sounds.  Enjoy an early flight out of Queenstown, this morning, as you fly into Milford Sound an area of extraordinary beauty. It offers a majestic fiord, dramatic and awe inspiring scenery and prolific flora and fauna. Combining this is a magical Milford cruise on the fiord. Your pilot personally escorts you to the boat docks to board the ‘Pride’ to enjoy your Milford Sound Scenic Cruise. This purpose-built catamaran is operated by Southern Discoveries, which traverse the full length of the 12km fiord right out to the Tasman Sea. Spacious outdoor viewing decks allow you to take in all of the Fiordland scenic highlights, including waterfalls taller than Niagara Falls, and an array of indigenous flora and fauna. This is an optional experience, you can also enjoy a day of relax or adventure option. See cost in activity options. Another night spent in the spectacular Queenstown

Day 5

You’re free to roam the streets of Queenstown or hit up more inclusive adventure in the surrounding area. With wine tours, Wanaka and Cromwell action less than an hour away, you’ll be busy trying to fit it all in. One last night in Queenstown

Day 6

A big day driving over the gates of Haast to Franz Josef glacier country. Although a big journey, the flora and fauna changes dramatically throughout, making this drive fly past. You'll be there before you know it. Once we arrive at Franz Josef Township where our next .awaits. Here we meet the awesome crew that will fly us into glacier wonderland. This is the West Coast; helicopters are mandatory to access our piece of paradise. This scenic flight takes us onto the snowfields where Makingtrax ski-chair gets you up close and personal. This evening we stay in Franz

Day 7

When we are ready the scenic road will take you to Hokitika greenstone and gold. Fingers crossed today is clear and calm as we drive the West Coast highway, with mountains on the right,  ocean on the left and native forest galore. This scenic wonderland holds treasures, with small accessible beach and bush walks, there's plenty of action to choose from. Tonight we stay in Punakaiki for one last sunset over the ocean.

Day 8

Wake to the sound of the ocean. Once we are ready to roll a stop in at the famous pancake rocks and ocean blowholes before lunch, then off to meet the famous Trans Alpine. One of the most scenic rail journeys on the planet will complete your adventure. Your guide will deliver you back to where we started, Sumner! You now can relax, absorb the last 12 days and get merry, as it’s your last night in the magical land.

Last day

Wake up invigorated knowing your guide is going to collect you to take you to the airport, when required, leaving you time to find your new favourite cafe and reflect on your journey of self-discovery, what you have achieved and memories you have gained for a lifetime. Today your new journey begins as an adventurer...unstoppable